California, Los Angeles, Disneyland, Hollywood, Beverly Hills…have you ever heard these names? I am sure you have. What are these places , where are they situated, what is their history? I am sure this question have at least onece stirred your curiosity. In my work I’ve tried to cover all these most interesting questions, including history, places of interest their description and even parks’ entrance fees. I hope my work will help you to get better acquainted with one of the most beautiful state of the USA – California and its one of the most gougeous cities – Los Angeles, or a City of Angels.

I.California.

1.1.California today.

California is perhaps the most unique state in the USA. It leads the country in manufacturing and farming. Its area is the 3rd in the country and it has the largest population, of which the white people constitute less than 50%. It is the most popular place to spend vacations - hiking in National parks, swimming in the Pacific Ocean and sightseeing in the cities. Such well-known places as Hollywood Disneyland, Death Valley, and the San Diego Zoo are located in California. First European settlements in California were Spanish, and in 1821, when Mexico became independent, it became its part. In 1848 the United States took control over this state. And on September 9, 1850, it became the 31 state of the USA.

O Capital - Sacramento.

O Population - 29,839,250 (1st).

The state symbols are:

O Bird - California Valley Quail,

O Flower - Golden Poppy,

O Motto - "Eureka" ("I have found it"),

O Song - "I love you, California",

O Tree - California Redwood.

1.2.The History of Los Angeles County.

When Spanish occupation of California began in 1769, an exploratory expedition of more than 60 persons led by Gaspar de Portola moved north through the area now known as Los Angeles. They camped by a river where fertile soil and availability of water for irrigation impressed members of the party. Father Juan Crespi, who accompanied the group, saw the location as having all the requirements for a large settlement. He named the river El Rio de Nuestra Senora la Reyna de Los Angeles de Porciuncula, which means "The River of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porciuncula.”

In September 1771 Father Junipero Serra and a group of Spaniards founded the San Gabriel Mission as the center of the first "community" in an area inhabited by small bands of Gabrielino Indians.

Twelve years after Portola's trek, which began in San Diego and ended in Monterey, a company of settlers called "Los Pobladores" were recruited in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa in Mexico. Their mission, under authority of Governor Felipe de Neve, was to establish pueblos in the name of the king of Spain.

On September 4, 1781, the Pobladores, a group of 12 families - 46 men, women and children led by Captain Rivera y Moncada - established a community in the area discovered by Portola, and named it El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reyna de Los Angeles de Porciuncula, after the nearby river. Over time, the area became known as the Ciudad de Los Angeles, "City of Angels," and on April 4, 1850 became the City of Los Angeles.

California was ruled by Spain until 1822 when Mexico assumed jurisdiction. After a two-year period of hostilities with Mexico beginning in 1846, the area came under U.S. control. In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo made California a United States territory.The County of Los Angeles was established on February 18, 1850 as one of the 27 original counties, several months before California was admitted to the Union. It derived its name from the area known as Los Angeles, already a large community, and made it the designated "seat" of County government.

On April 1, 1850 the people of Los Angeles County asserted their newly won right of self-government and elected a three-man Court of Sessions as their first governing body. A total of 377 votes were cast in this election. In 1852 the Legislature dissolved the Court of Sessions and created a five-member Board of Supervisors. In 1913 the citizens of Los Angeles County approved a charter recommended by a board of freeholders which gave the County greater freedom to govern itself within the framework of state law.

Land Area

4,081.58 Square Miles

Unincorporated Area

2,653.5 Square Miles

Flat Land

1,741 Square Miles

Mountains

1,875 Square Miles

Hilly Land

246 Square Miles

Islands

131 Square Miles

Mountain Valleys

59 Square Miles

Marsh Land

28 Square Miles

The official flag of the county of Los Angeles is blue, green and gold.The blue signifies clear skies. The green border is to keep Los Angeles beautiful and the gold lettering "county of Los Angeles" stands for the land of opportunity for everyone since gold was discovered in California.

The seal is the official seal of the County of Los Angeles.

The flag was approved on October 17, 1967 by the Board of Supervisors and flew for the first time in front of the County Courthouse on March 28, 1968.

II.Los Angeles.

2.1. Los Angeles now.

Los Angeles teems with excitement both sunup and sundown. Los Angeles is a youthful, vibrant city, proud of her well extablished roots.

Claimed for Spain by Portuguese conquistador Juan Cabrillo in 1542, the sleepy Indian village of 4000 was named ElPueblo Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles – "The city of Our Lady Queen of the Angels.”

Today the "City Of Angels” hosts an assortment of lifestyles and a population of nearly three million, with over seven million in Los Angeles Country.

The boundaries econompass over 463 square miles of urban ,desert, mountain and coastl landscapes. This area is large enough to hold the combined cities of St. Louis, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Boston, Pittsburgh, Manhattan and San Francisco.

Los angeles basks in a mediterranean climate and 350 days of golden sun yearly. The dry summers and comfortable winters make L.A. the envy of the nation.

Beverly Hills is the world-famous meeting place for the elite and the curious visitor. Rolls Royces, Mercedes and Jaguars line the streets, and the famous and not-so-famous stroll these chic boulevards in search of recognition and fashion trends. Gucci, Pucci, Giorgio’s, Tiffany’s and a host of other prestigious stores add glamour and excitement to the shoping scene.

Just around the corner, nestled under the landmark H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D sign, Hollywood thrives on the creative energies of film directors, actor, dancers and music makers. Universal Studios, once a combination movie studio and chicken ranch, is now the world’s largest motion picture studio. Universal’s back lot stretches over more then 420 acres. Soundstages, western sets, Mexican villages, and New York city streets come to life in a make-believe world.

Just over the hill-thrills, spills and excitement await at Southern California’s exciting theme parks. Six Flags Magic Mountain offers more than 100 rides and atractions to entertain the entire family. Visit the nation’s oldest theme park – Knott’s Berry Farm, where the "old west” in intertwined with an abundance of heart-skipping rides. And, of course, the world famous internationsl playground – Disneyland, offers fun and fantasy for all ages.

Dozens of additional atttractions surround Los Angeles, from Magic Mountain to the majestic Queen Mary complex, reigning over Long Beach Harbor. Beautiful Catalina Island is a secluded playground where sunning, surfing, sailing and relaxing are just "twenty-six miles across the sea.” The mangnificent beaches of Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo all give thousands of fisherman, surfers, swimmers, cyclists, joggers and sun orshipers a haven year ‘round.

One of the newest attraction in the "City of Angels” is Downtown. Beautifully decorated hotels, bold and attractive condominiums, and modern high rise office complexes are just a few reasons for its soaring popularity. The crown jewel of downton Los Angeles is the exquisiti Los Angeles Music Center for the Perfoeming Arts. This complez is one of the finest music and dramatic arts centre inthe United States today. The Center, knowing worldwide as the home of the Annual Academy Awards, is a complex of three thetres :the malestic Dorothy chandler Pavilion; the Mark Taper Forum; and the Ahmanson Thetre. All three provide year-round entertaiment with symphonies, operas, musical comedies and dramatic presentation. Tickets for most productions are easily obtainable at very reasonable prices.

Los Angeles’ Spanish heritage is forever enshrined and enjoyed it the rustic xharm of Olvera Street. The original block-long El Pueblo retains a latin flavor with traditional Spanish costumes, the aroma of Mexican food and the display of Mexican products. This colorful and festive street recalls the days when Los Angeles was but a dusty, sleepy pueblo.

Downtown is also home for the largest Japanese community in the US. Little Tokyo, like its neighbors, Chinatown and Olivera Street, provides a unique and shopping opportunity. Fine Cantonese, Mandarin, Chinese, Japanese and Mexican restaurants abound in these three ethnic communities.

Few businesses express the tumultuous excitement as does the garment industry (bordered by Maple and Olive Streets and 7th and 36th Streets). Here vociferous buyers and sellers shout and cajole about the newest fashions and fabrics. Sidewalks overflow with racks of clothes being dalivered to display rooms. Visitors discover excellent buys ib the retail out ouylets lining the streets.

Another exciting Downtown experience is the beautiful Atlantic Richfield Plaza, which is the world’s largest subterranean shopping centre. Two floofs with over fifty shops are located beneath the world headquarters for Atlantic Richfield company and the Los angeles base for Bank of America (the location is easily identified be the massive 520story twin black towers). The Plaza is a delightful blend of international charm with streets depicting the charmps Elysee, Avenida del Mercado, Via Portofino and Picadilly Circus. An exciting array of clothing stores, speciality gift shops, restaurants, and even a Post office and Catholic Ahapel are available to the visitor.

2.2. Disneyland.

"What I want Disneyland to be the most of all is a happy place – a place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life. Of adventure, and feel better because of it. ”

Walt Disney

Disneyland is a thousand different impressions – from a space flight to a castle – a carrousel calliope to a jazz band. It’s flovers and fireworks, popcorn and ice cream. And it’s the sounds of laughter and the sight of smiling faces – sights and sounds which you’ll remember long after your day in the land of the young and happy at heart is over.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Walk past the famous floral Mickey at the Main Entrance and into a small town way of life from America’s past. On Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll see sights and sounds from a time when life was as leisurely as a ride on Horse-drawn Street Car and as innocent as the antics of a silent movie ster. Browse in the turn-of-the-centuy Emporium or ride the shiny Disneyland Railroad. From the color and music of a hometown parade to the nostalgic flavor of an old-fashioned treat, you'’l experience the joy of recalling fond memories while you create new ones on Main Street, where both sides of the street are always sunny.

Whether your visions of sugarplums include lollipops or luscious chocolates, your sweet toot is right at home on Main street where treats come flavored with favorite childhood memories.

A fruit vendor’s cart displays fresh,crisp wares while flovers bloom eveywhere. The saxophone band entertains on street corners and a marching band makes you tap your toes. Every sight and sound on Main Street is guaranteed to make you fell "red, white, and blue ” all over!

Entertainment on Main Street comes in lots of shapes, sizes, styles, and smiles. Disney cartoons at the Main Stret Cinema serve up hearty helpings of laughter, while shops like the Crystal Arcade offer keepsakes to treasure. Or learn a magic trick or two at the Main Street Magic Shop. Just remember – on Main Street fun comes the old-fashioned way – you make it yourself!

Adventureland.

Don your pith helmets and enter the land where adventure reigns, but beware the eyes of Mara! The Indiana Jones Adventure takes you deep into the jungle to explore the hidden Temple of the Fobidden Eye. You’ll encounter shrieking mummies, an avalanche of creepy crawlies, a rickety bridge, and experience a terrifying confrontation with the ancient diety Mara. Remember…many have come, but few have retuened!

No visit to Adventureland could be complete without taking the famous Jungle Cruise, which has been a highlight of the Disneyland experience since the Park opened. But are you daring enough to brave charging hippos, hungry alligators, splashing elephants – and your guide’s outrageously funny puns?

Exotic color and patterns catch the eye. Spicy scents tempt the tastebuds. Whether you unearth gifts at the Adventureland South Sea Traders and Adventureland Bazaar or track down new tastes at The Bengal Barbecue and Aladdin’s Oasis, great discoveries await you at this "outpost of civilization.”

The ultimate treehouse fantasy, the swiss Family Treehouse was inspired by the living quartes of the famous family of film and furnished from airy rooms to an ingenious waterwhel. The Treehouse is a fanciful tribute to the kind of lifestyle you dreamt of as a child – and possibly even yearn for as an adult.

New Orleans Square.

Come to New Orlean Square where the Pirates of the Caribbean willshiver your timbers, and ghosts an The Haunted Mansion will tickle your ribs1 the hot sounds of jazz and the delicious scentes of southern cooking waft by s you stroll through the French Quarter. Here you’ll find shops offering fine perfumes and one-of-a-king antiques, gourmet cookware, and fanciful hats. It’s all part of the atmosphere of New Orleans Square, a plase that’s as beautiful as a bayou night and as much fun as Mardi Gras!

Sailing by the twinkling lights of the famed Blue Bayou Restaurant, guests enter a realm of delightful danger on the Pirates of the Caribbean. You’ll voyage past pirate plunder guarded by grinning skeletons, dodge cannnballs and escape from a town set ablaze by salty dogs. Watch out for merrybuccanners along the way! They’re always out to steal a laugh.

Greet some folks who’ve been "dying to meeet you” – 999 unruly spirits in The Haunted Mansion – a charming place fully equipped with hot-and-cold running thrills! Ghostly voices guide you through a doorless chamber past a ballroom full of transparent dancers and into graveyards ringing with serenades from marble statues. Fun? You bet your life it is!

Frontierland.

Pioneer days live on in Frontierland! Beneath the peaks of Big Thunder Mountain, banjo pickers, craftspeople, farm animals, and boatmen recreate the hardly atmosphere of the american wildernees and spirit of those who made it theie home.

Discover a cargo of history on the Rivers of America. Board authentic replicas of two ships: the Mark Twain Steamboat, a Mississippi sternwheeler, and the Sailing Ship Columbia, the first American ship to travel the world. Guests can paddle a canoe, take a refeshing ride on the Mike Fink Keelboats or raft over to Tom Sawyer Island for adventures just like Mark Twain's young hero enjoyed.

Tucked into a shady hollow below the slopes of Splash Mountain, Critter Country invites you to stay a spell. Enjoy the famouse Country Bear jamboree, where big All, Teddi Barra and the Bear Rugs put on a honey of a show! Or relax as country fiddlers, shops, and restaurants serve up god times adn good food. Critter Country is so downright friendly, it's easy to believe in the time when, as Uncle Remus says, "Critter were closer to the folks, and the folks were closer to the critters!”.

Brer Rabbit says everybody needsa laughin's place, and Splash Mountain, inspired by Walt Disney's film, Song of the South, is the perfect one! You'll glide past hundreds of singing figures and dash over waterfalls and around curves. Then hang on, as you head straight for the briar patch in a zip-a-dee-doo-dah, five-story splash down!

Fantasyland.

Sleeping Beauty Castle beckons you to Fantasyland – where every corner holds a bit of the magic of dreams come true. If Disneyland has a heart, it is surely here, in this enchanted realm you'll recognize at once as the home of your favorite childhood fantasies.

The whimsical headgear found at such shops as the Mad Hatter in Fantasyland have become a time-honored Disneyland tradition – and the perfect way to cap your fun at the Park!

The meticuljus craftmanship seen throughout Disneyland is well represent in Fantasyland where the King Arthur Carrousel and Dumbo the Flying Elephant turn and glide in ornately carved and painted splendor. What could be more magical than letting a rose-bedecked steed carry you back to the elegance of yesterday?

Fantasyland is the home of the small,gentle, and whimsical. Take a smili-sized trip on the Casey Jr. Circus Train or voyage through Monstro's jaws into a miniature Storybook Land. You'll be enchanted by It's a Small World, where young goodwill ambassadors singing a hopeful song, prove that little things make a big world of magic.

The enchanted of Walt Disney's animated film classics come to three-dimensional life in Fantasyland. Here you'll meet a princess, get a bit of sare from the Wicked Witch, whirl in a Mad Tea Party and experience an amusing trip through Wonderland with Alice. You may even rub elbows with one of the Seven Dwarfs!

Nerves tingle as you race through ice caverns and careen down snowy slopes on the Matterhorn Mountain – the first of the "mountain” attractions created at disneyland. Towering above Fantasyland, the Matterhorn offers panoramic Park views – and even a peek at an Abominable Snowman! The thrilling and chilling bobsled run twist and turns through the windswept mountain, finally splashing down in an alpine lake.

Mickey’s Toontown.

Mickey’s Toontown, onece the exclusive hideaway of Mickey Mouse and all his animated friends, is now a colorful, larger-than-life, interactive playground for you to explore. You can minglewith your favorite cartoon character and visit the imaginative, three-dimensional cartoon dream homes of Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Goffy, and Chip’n Dale. This wacky community is loaded with surprises, too! You can bounce off the cushiony walls at Goofy’s Bounce House, get out of control at Car Toon Spin, take a wild ride on Gadget’s Go Coaster, talk to manhole covers, dive into thousands of acorns, and thn board the Jolly Trolley for a merry jaunt around toontown.

Tomorrowland.

High tech travel is the name of the game in Tomorrowlnd where submarines and starships take you from the ocean depths to outerspace, and the Disneyland monorail carries you through a streamlined landscape. Visit some famous places on Earth at circle-Vision or the galaxies on Spase Mountain and Star Tower where future frontiers are just a flight away.

Board the Atarspeeder 3000 for galactic gasps on Star Tower, based on George lucas'famed film trilogy. The pilot's rookie, but he'll get you past pounding Iceteroids, spaceship dogfights, and through the Death Star's chasms. And he'll do it with just a slight blast to your nerves!

Watch out! You're surrounded by light, sound, and action in Captain EO, a 3-D musical spectacular with dazzling photography and special effects. Michael Jackson captains a hilarious crew who "bands” together to bring color and music to a dark planet. Captain EO brought together the legendary talents of Michael Jackson, produser George Lucas and award-winning writer-director Francis ford Coppola.

Comic thrill seekers flock to Space Mountain where the laws of gravity seem suspended as you spiral through the stars. The futuristic structure overlooks The Star Trader and Starcade which offer out-of-this-world merchandise and fun!

After Dark.

When Mickey used his imagination, the result is – FANTASMIC! Set on the Rivers of America, this thrilling spectacular combines Disney characters, music, dancers, and state-of-the-art illusions for the most elaborate presentation in the history of Walt Disney Theme Parks. Lasers, black lights, fireworks, and images on huge mist screens bring a cavalcade of animated characters to life amidst crashing waves and shooting star. A fantasy of Mickey’s vivid imagination – it is sure to capture yours!

The sun sets, and in the soft dusk, lights bloom – twinkling along main Street, casting a futuristic glow over Space Mountain and shining on candelit tables in New Orleans Square. soOn the "Main Street Electrical Parade” will transfix you with thousands of tiny colored lights, and bouquets of fireworks will blossom over Sleeping Beauty Castle. Before your eyes, Disneyland reveals another side touched with unforgettable enchantment.

2.3. Six Flags Magic Mountain

The park's attractions include many noted roller coasters, including newcomers X and Deja Vu, as well as stand-bys inlcuding the hypercoaster Goliath; the classic wooden Colossus; the feet-dangling, hairpin-turn-filled Batman the Ride;

and the sheer speed of Superman the Escape.

Younger and shorter visitors can get their kicks at Bugs Bunny World. Along with the roller coaster, race cars and mini-prop planes, Bugs Bunny World features live music and stunt, water and interactive shows.

Cyclone Bay, toward the back of the park, showcases a row of specialty shops. Don't miss Bayshore Candy, where you can watch fudge, caramel apples and other mouth-watering delights being made. Remember to wear walking shoes, because Magic Mountain is expansive and hilly.

Attractions: More than 100 rides, games and attractions, including four roller coasters listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records." There are 15 roller coasters, including the new X roller coaster.

Hours: From 10 a.m. daily April 1 through Sept. 10 and weekends and holidays the remainder of the year. Closing hours vary.

2.4. Universal Studios.

Why just watch the movies when you can live them at Universal Studios Hollywood – the world’s biggest and busiest television and motion picture studio theme park! Be a part of movie magic with an action-packed day of spine-tingling rides, thrilling shows, explosive stunts, awesome spesial effects and amazing adventures! And the fun builds as the day goes on. Put yourself in the spotlight as you hang out with your favorite characters and step into the scenes of eour favorite movies. It’s the magic of hollywood…and everywhere you turn, you’ve the star!

Jurassic Park - The Ride.

Get ready to live the most spine-tingling adventure in 65 million years when Jurassic Park – The Ride brings the biggest blockbustr ever thundering to life on the most spectaculer water ride of all time. You’ll journey deep into the Jurassic Jungle aboard a runaway raft to face Spitters, Raptors and the ultimate terror – a towering T-Rex.

Jurassic Park – The Ride. You’ll Wish It Was Just A Movie!

Back To The Futer – The Ride.

Hang on! Doc Brown is sending you screaming through time on the greatest ride in history! Blasting you back to the Dawn of Time for wild run-ins with a 50-foot T-Rex, an Ice Age avalanche and a molten volcano! Then rocketing you into Hill Valey 2015! Thrill to the 21-million jigowatt adventure that’s like riding a flying roller coaster!

WaterWorld – A Live Sea War Spectacular.

Get ready for an ocean of thrills as WATERWORLD – A Live Sea War Spectacular, brings the blockbustermovie surging to life! Breath-taking action, death-defying stunts and never-before-seen pyrotechnics will engulf you in a millions gallons of pure adrenalone!

WaterWorld – it blows every other stunt show out of the water!

Backdraft.

Fell the fury of 10,000 degrees of excitement as BACKDRAFT roads to life! You’ll step into a firestorm of blazing beams, exploding barrels, rocketing drums and more in this fie-alarm speciaieffects thriller!

Earthquake.

You’re in forr the shock of your life: a heart-pounding 8.3 Earthquake that will have you on the edge of your seat, screaming for more! It’s a 10 on the fun scale!

King Kong.

Go face to face with King Kong, the greatest movie monster in history! He’s 30 feet and 30,000 pounds of howling, growling terror, ready to take things into his own hands! Experience the ultimate Kongfrontation!

E.T. Adventure.

Quick! Hop aboard a starbound bike. Fell hte wind on your face as you race across galaxies on an adventure like none before. Help E.T. save his planet, and when you do, E.T. will thank you personally.

The World Of Cinemagic!

You’ll be the star of the show as our special-effects experts take you behind the scenes for a first-hand look at movie magic. Learn the triks of the trade and see the secrets of cutting-adge film technology. Join us as we take sound effects and visual wizardly from he sound stage to the Silvr Screen, right before your eyes ans ears! You’ll never watch movies the same way again!

Animal Actors.

Then thril to the animal magnetism of superstars like Beethoven, Lassie and Babe. It’s a special treat for kids, but people of all ages will howl at the antics of our exclusive animal stars!

Universal City.

Get ready for anything and everything at Universal City! The excitement begins when you check into the luxurious Sheraton Universal or Hilton hotel and Towers. Then, let the good times stroll at Universal CityWalk with fabulous shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants and fantastic street performens. Choose a hit movie from 18 screens at Universal City Cinemas. Catch the hottest acts in show biz at the Universal Amphitheatre. Dine in "Merry Olde England” at Victoria Station. Have the greatest day and night of your life at Universal Studios – it’s an entire vacation’s worth of entertainment in one totally fun place!

Conclusion.

And in conclusion I would like to summarize in a couple of simple sentences. As you can see, California and specifically Los Angeles is something worth seeing and visiting. And believe me it’s not only the weather and climate. It is truly a place of adventure and fantasy, a sort of dreams come true. If you ever get a chance to visit this glorious city try not to miss it. I am sure you will LOVE IT!!!